Sharbot Lake Ladies Race in Ottawa

Lesley Merrigan | Jun 17, 2010

L-R: Back: Lynete Whan, Elizabeth Melkman, Niki Putnam, Melissa Baillargeon, Laurie Love, Angie Sergeant, Lesley Merrigan, Nicole Greenstreet, Jen Meulenaar; front: Gen Cumpson, Amanda Sorensen

On the morning of May 29, 11 excited ladies left from the Fit Plus Gym in Sharbot Lake and headed to our nation’s capital to participate in the Ottawa Race Weekend. The decision to try our hand at something other then kickboxing (where the group originates) came from a Thursday night conversation with our “Veteran” race runners, Niki Putnam & Jen Meulenaar. Unable to pass up a great challenge, we all went home that night and registered. Each one of us started training in their own way, a few started group runs, some preferred the quiet of solo treks. Being busy ladies, we trained when we could and added RUNNING into our already crowded schedules!! Our Kickboxing classes were always filled with stories of personal bests, wild animals along the road and even some animal rescuing. Our goal became our motto “Complete not Compete”!!!

Gen Cumpson took the initiative to approach an independent Brewery on our behalf, which decided that they would sponsor our team and provided us with T-shirts and hats to make us look more “polished”!! When we arrived at the start line on race day, everyone knew we had arrived!!! Six of us took on the 5 km run and 5 the 10 km!! Each one of us saw our training pay off as we congratulated each other at the finish lines. We all shared a feeling of individual achievement but we also felt the strength of the support of the group. It was an incredible day!

Most of us have signed up or intend to sign up for the Army Run coming up in September. Proceeds from the CANADA ARMY RUN will go to support the Canadian Forces Personnel Support programs (CFPSA), including Soldier On and Military Families’ Fund. It is a 5 km race similar to the one we just completed. We are also looking for new runners to join us. We would like to enter three teams into the Team Relay Race in Picton on October 3, 2010. As of this writing we have one complete team and the start of a second. If this sort of team event interests you, feel free to send one of us a message on Facebook. Every one of us has their own motivation for getting out there and pounding the pavement! The only thing stopping others is …….um……NOTHING!!! Come on out and run with us!!!

Link to Canada Army Run Site (http://www.armyrun.ca/en/raceinfo.aspx)

Link to PEC County Marathon (http://www.pecmarathon.ca/)